House to Hold Hearing on Metro Crash; Va. Eligible for Millions in Flu Preparation Funds

METRORAIL

House to Hold Hearing on Crash

The first congressional hearing on last month's crash on Metro's Red Line, which killed nine people and injured 80, will be held tomorrow. In addition to providing congressional leaders an overview of the Metrorail systems, equipment and safety features, the hearing will focus on the progress of investigations, safety measures implemented since the crash, Metro's aging infrastructure, funding challenges for capital improvements and industry-wide rail safety standards.

The hearing, "Back on Track: WMATA Red Line Metrorail Accident and Continual Funding Challenges," will begin at 2 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building before the federal work force, Postal Service and District of Columbia subcommittee.

Also, a resolution "expressing the profound sympathies" to those affected by the collision is expected to be proposed to the House this week, said Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), a sponsor of the resolution.

The measure features descriptions of each of the nine people killed. It also recognizes the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Board of Directors for dedicating $250,000 to assist victims with funeral arrangements, medical care and other expenses.

-- Jenna Johnson

SWINE FLU

Va. on Track for Virus Funds

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says Virginia is eligible for nearly $8.8 million to prepare for swine flu and the fall flu season.

The agency said the money was included in legislation President Obama signed last month. That measure included $350 million for fighting the flu across the nation. The grants in Virginia include more than $6.5 million for state public health departments and more than $2.2 million for hospitals and health care systems.

The Virginia Department of Health says at least 310 cases of the H1N1 virus have been confirmed in the state and that there were two deaths.

-- Associated Press